Back at The Rock after they go back-to-back
Game 2:
31 August, 2023 (at Rockhurst)
We knew this would be a tall task with Rockhurst virtually bringing their whole team back from their back-to-back state title wins.
We were hoping our what-was-thought-to-be the strength of our team, our defense, would look far better than it did in the first match against St. James. With our strarting goalie out from an injury in the St. James game, freshman keeper, Parker Lehn, was set for an early varsity debut against one of our, if not the, best opponents on our schedule.
We played very, very well tonight, falling 2-1 with the clock at 1:11. I was so proud of our play, especially our defense throughout the match.
We played a 3/4's press and the boys stayed very disciplined, eliminating most of the passing lanes, stepping up to win ball after ball.
Weinrich and Welsh at centerback could not have played better—they were so good. And both Parker and Maverick played pretty darn well for such a big-time match against such a potent attack.Their inexperience showed a tad, but both played well, keeping us in the match. Mav's large kicks made Rockhurst start their attack from the back third of the field for the most part.
Weinrich Vs. Franke, a battle all game
Franke and Kante scored the two goals for Rockhurst, their experienced stars.
I also thought Joseph Befort had a marvelous match at the defensive midfield position, getting great support from both Bissen and Bjorseth.
Spencer played his heart out at the "10" and he worked so hard to get that first ball clean to Liam from LeBourveau's cross to score our goal.
I think we might have lead almost a minute—so really the game was tied for 78 of the 80 minutes, That's crazy.
And Omar played very well when he spelled Spencer at the "10." He proved he could play that position at an elite level.
Hamms called on the guys to "represent" tonight, and boy did they. I was so proud, and am so optimistic as we move forward. "Represent." Love that word.
STATS:
First Half:
Saints: Shots: 2 (1) Corners: 2 (Ragan, Bjorseth)
31:06 Ryan (Laws throw-in is flicked to Ragan who switches it on the diagonal to LeBourveau who plays it back diagonally ground with Ragan's diving attempt working as a dummy for Liam)
Rock: Shots: 4 (1) Corners:1
30:37 Kante (Franke squares it for our middle clear that Baka hits through a diving Ragan and under Parker's diving attempt)
Second Half:
Saints: Shots: 3 (1) Corners: 2 (Siebert, Weinrich)
Rockhurst: Shots: 5 (2) Corners: 0
1:11 Franke: (in just a great individual effort by Teddy with 71 seconds on the clock, he slashes through a few defenders to hit it high right from beyond the 25. Maverick's size and athleticism allow him to come close to knocking it away, but there was some serious smoke on that shot!)
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